Install problems

I am trying to install Win7 Pro 64bit. Brand new Biostar TA790GXE 128M MB with new AMD Phenom x4 9750 Quad Core, New 2GB RAM DDR2-8500 1066MHz (one stick), New SATA DVD, Existing IDE 160GB HDD, Existing 1.44MB 3.5" floppy, existing USB card reader, existing USB/PS2 mouse, existing PS2 keyboard.

The install gets to the "Completing Installation" checklist item, reboots, goes to the "Updating registry entries" and "starting services", then appears to "complete installation" on the checklist, reboots again, then freezes at the MB splash screen. I am not able to type anything on the keyboard, i.e. DEL to enter the BIOS setup, or F12 to enter the BIOS flash utility. I reboot using the reset button, bypass the boot from CD/DVD, the notification of an error comes up, giving me the option to boot in Safe Mode or normally. Booting normally then gives me an error stating "The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error, click OK to reboot and continue the installation. Rebooting comes to the same error message.

I have read and tried the "common install problems" thread without success. I have tried to install from Safe Mode, get the error message "Windows cannot complete installation in Safe Mode".

I have tried the following so far (from what I can remember): reset CMOS, remove all USB peripherals - including internal USB card reader, flash BIOS for possible update, reinstall attempting the "Repair install" option, and install into Safe Mode.

Thank you for any suggestions.

Did you do a full format of your HD before installing?

Good question. I used the tool on the install disk. I don't think it was formatted, but just repartitioned.

Go to repair my computer.

Try a full format in Command Prompt.

2gb RAM isn't really enough to run 64 bit. You'd need to double that at a minimum, or install 32 bit.

Try reinstalling by booting DVD, selecting Custom install, then Drive Tools to delete all, create new partition(s) then format before installing.

There are screenshots here to help you get it right: Clean Install Windows 7

theog said:

Go to repair my computer.

Try a full format in Command Prompt.

Done, attempted reinstall, no dice. Same error.

Look in BIOS setup to see what SATA controller setting is. Try ACHI first, then IDE mode.

Have you confirmed on your computer or mobo manufacturer's Support Downloads webpage that you have the latest BIOS version? Check your in BIOS setup.

You can also try pulling out the HD to install Win7 on another computer, then replace HD. It swaps out all of the drivers, requesting multiple restarts, but has run fine when I've had to do this about a dozen times with no other way to install Win7.

gregrocker said:

2gb RAM isn't really enough to run 64 bit. You'd need to double that at a minimum, or install 32 bit.

Try reinstalling by booting DVD, selecting Custom install, then Drive Tools to delete all, create new partition(s) then format before installing.

There are screenshots here to help you get it right: Clean Install Windows 7

I've done the del partitions and reformat twice with same error. As for the memory, I know I will need more memory. Everything I have read on installs says to only put one stick in for the install, then add from there.

Update:
changed the RAM, still rec'd the error message.

Reloaded the MB drivers (just to make sure) . . . . Win7 64bit up and running!

That is good to here, have fun with Win 7.